Developing forensic patient-oriented research guidelines: a rapid review using an integrated knowledge translation...

Area of Science:

• Forensic Mental Health
• Patient-Oriented Research
• Integrated Knowledge Translation

Background:

• Developing guidelines for patient-oriented research in forensic mental health settings is crucial.
• Previous research has not adequately addressed the unique constraints of forensic environments.
• An integrated knowledge translation approach was employed to involve diverse stakeholders.

Purpose of the Study:

• To inform new guidelines for conducting patient-oriented research in forensic mental health settings.
• To promote authentic co-production and sustain patient involvement in research.
• To address the distinctive constraints of forensic environments.

Main Methods:

• A rapid literature review of academic and grey literature sources.
• An integrated knowledge translation approach involving patients, hospital staff, and an international community of practice.
• Iterative refinement of findings through a patient advisory group, implementation study, and ethnographic observations.

Main Results:

• A framework organized around five core dimensions: Resourcing, orientation, and training; Confidentiality, consent, and compensation; Relationships, shared understanding, and support; Levels of engagement; and Evaluation and sustainability.
• Guidelines informed by cross-cutting principles such as dignity, trust, respect, and redressing power imbalances.
• Recommendations for dedicated resources, capacity-building, relational consent, fair compensation, and sustained institutional support.

Conclusions:

• The developed guidelines respond to the distinctive constraints of forensic environments.
• The guidelines highlight opportunities to promote authentic co-production and sustain patient involvement in research.
• Forensic hospitals and secure settings are encouraged to adapt, evaluate, and invest in these guidelines to advance patient leadership in research.